Source: DAILY NEWS
The initiative is an effort to provide more domestic market opportunities to local fishers along Lake Tanganyika in Rukwa and Kigoma.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alpha Nondo, said yesterday that two collection centers have already been opened at Kipili in Nkasi District, Rukwa and Mgambo in Kigoma, respectively.
“Our focus is on promoting fish from Lake Tanganyika. Some species found in the lake are unique and cannot be found in other lakes,” he said during the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and journalists meeting.
Additionally, the firm plans to establish more centers at Wampembe and Kasanga in Nkasi and Kalambo Districts in Rukwa, as well as two more in Kigoma.
“We have received an order to export 30 containers of fish from Lake Tanganyika, so the demand is significant, but the collection is currently low.
“We need to build more renters,” Mr Nondo said adding that the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is supporting the initiative, which aims to address the challenge of low fish collection for export.
He said that the company primarily exports fish to the US to supply 20 state markets. The firm has also secured new markets in Canada and the European Union.
“Initially, we faced challenges, but after understanding consumer needs, we made improvements and successfully entered the market,” he said.
Also, the company has increased its fish processing capacity by introducing a fish-drying machine.
“Four years ago, we dried two tonnes of fish in two hours. Now, we can dry 10 tonnes of sardines in a single day. This is a significant breakthrough, and we are grateful to the government for its efforts in making Tanzania a hub for feeding Africa,” he said.
TIC Investment Promotion Manager, Mr. Michael, noted that the three senior staff members are on a two-day working tour in Rukwa as part of the center’s campaign to promote and encourage domestic investment in the region.
THE AUTHOR: Peti Siyame in Rukwa
